The 1970 Dodge Challenger was the last pony car to enter the increasing crowded pony car market. It was the corporate sister of the Plymouth Cuda. Of the two, the Challenger was the luxury model. Much like the Mercury Cougar was the luxury version of the Mustang.
The 1970 Challenger was available in many versions, from the budget Deputy Challenger to the extravagant Special Edition (SE) with leather bucket seats and an overhead console. There were ten different engine choice and three transmission choices. Buyers could truly build their ideal car in ether hardtop or convertible.
The base Challenger was available in any engine up to the 383ci big block. Over 2/3 of all 1970 Challengers were base models.
For the enthusiast the 1970 Challenger R/T was the right choice. Engine choices started with the 383ci big block. The 440ci big block and the awesome 426 Hemi were optional. The R/T included all the available equipment in the base model plus the Rallye gauge cluster and instrument panel, upgraded front and rear suspension with roll bars, heavy duty breaks, white letter tires and special striping. Performance was great across the range of engine choices.
The 1970 Challenger TA was the choice of the road warrior. It was designed to meet the SCCA Trans-Am requirement that manufactures must produce 2,500 road going version of the cars used on the tracks. The Challenger TA was described as a “wild and woolly” car with an attitude. These cars were equipped with a 340 Six Pack small block with three two barrel carburetors providing the fuel and they were nearly as fast as their big block brothers. The hood was all flat black with a big snorkel hood scoop that was secured with four lock-pins. The exhaust pipes exited in front of the rear wheels and made the car look like a real race car. The breaks were upgraded with semi-metallic front disk brakes, performance axle ratios, and the rear of the car was actually jacked up to accommodate the exhaust system. The car was truly “wild and woolly.”
In many ways, the 1970 Challenger was the best of the entire series. It was definitely the most popular of the five year series. Over time the Dodge Challenger became a legendary muscle car. So legendary, that Chrysler decided to revive the pony car concept in 2008 and the new 2008 Challenger is very similar to the classic Challenger of the past that inspired it.
